Harlequin Rasbora is commonly known as Trigonostigma heteromorpha. This is the small fish is belongs to Cyprinidae. Harlequin rasboras becomes popular in 1900 after its introduction. This specie is most widely kept with rasboras in aquariums.
Generally this fish is classified in the class of rasbora, and named as heteromorpha greek word which means “differently shaped”. The fish is named as so beasuse it is different in shape than other members of family. There is black triangular patch on its body which makes them different.
Harlequin Rasboras Appearance
This fish is commonly know for striking colors and unique marking patterns. Here we see the grace of God, that they have variety of vibrant colors such as, red-copper and orange color.
Harlequin Rasbora is one of the attractive fish from the family of Cyprinidae. It’s a classic beginner fish, have deep bodied orange color tint with distinct black triangle from mid section leading to the tail. In other words, the triangular patch starts from dorsal fin and point near the caudal fin. This small size fish takes on the diamand like shape. In addition this fish grows just 2 inches maximum, the care of the fish is minimal.
The interesting fact is here is that it has 1.25 inches cousins the lambchops rasboras and glowlight rasboras. They have slimmer body and skinner black spots.
Harlequin Rasbora Tank Parameters
Harlequin Rasboras are good beginner fish, they are active, hardy and good for community tanks. Moreover, the tank size for this is depend on the specie, they ideal tank size for this 10 gallon. It is considered that is best for possible size it provides.
While setting up the tank for them, keep one thing in your mind, that they should be provided with the sufficient hiding spaces and plants. These fishes prefer the planted tank, but there should be the plenty of space of swimming. They prefer java fern, Christmas moss, java moss and Amazon sword plants. For mimic their environment use caves, rocks and driftwood.
Temperature or pH Level
Harlequin Rasbora are usually come from more acidic and soft swamps water from south asia. The best considered pH level for water is 6.0-8.0 with the parameters of 72-82 degree fahrenhiets. The parameters set for this is sotf to moderately hard water.
For mainting the water conditions, you must have to the change water daily. While keeping fish one thing is very Important, is to good quality filters. These are sensitives fishes, water should not be polluted, environment must be clean and nicely maintained.
Harlequin Rasbora Breeding
Though harlequin rasboras are easy keeping fish, but their breeding is quiet tough. It can be easy for experience aquarist, but still required efforts. The important factor in their breeding process is suitable environment and a separate tank.Which should be rich with lot of hiding spaces and plants such as cryptocoryne wendtii and Anubias brateri.
For breeding, the should be provided with warmer environment and low GH from the normal. This specie reproduce in a that scatter eggs and attach their eggs to the underside of leaves. After 24 hr eggs will hatch and after 72 hr the wigglers become free swimmer. The fry start eating infusoria and then gradualy moves to bigger food.
It is reported that if your fish fail to breed, try with the younger female fish because some time older could not spawn.
Feeding
Harlequin Rasbora, as they are omnivores they can eat variety of foods. Which includes insects, and plants matters. They feed on variety of high-quality of pellets and frozen foods.
Their diet should include protein and plant matters both things are important. They also feed on brine shrimps, bloodworms and daphina. In addition, their diet also rich with supplements like freeze dried or live foods. All these food keep them healthy.
Keeping any animal as pet not easy, but if one knows their diet and habitat then it will be easy of them.
At last…
Harlequin Rasboras is peaceful, colorful and hardy fresh water fish. It’s a great choice for beginners and experienced aquarists. Their striking red-copper and orange appearance with black signature triangle adds beauty and activity in community tanks. They are generally easy to keep, with balance diet, clean and should provided with the well planted tank for their well being.
However,Harlequin Rasbora breeding demands attention and experience. But it can be achievable for them through balance, proper tank set up and environment. By understanding all these facts, it’s a graceful fish to keep in aquarium.
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